We’re delighted to be able to announce our second project workshop.
It’s another afternoon workshop, this time in Sheffield, and the subject is Record Linkage (part of the Epistemologies research theme). We’re particularly interested in the challenges and rewards of applying automated (and semi-automated) nominal record linkage to very large-scale historical datasets, with all their variability, fuzziness and uncertainties; our work on the project starts from these questions:
How can we improve current record-linkage processes to maximise both the number of individuals linked across different datasets and the amount of information obtained about each individual? What is the minimum amount of contextual information needed in order to conduct successful large-scale record linkage of data pertaining to specific individuals?
In addition to presentations about our work from project team members, we have three guest speakers who will bring extensive experience of historical record linkage projects:
- Jeremy Boulton of the Pauper Lives project
- Gill Newton from the Cambridge Group for History of Population and Social Structure
- Ciara Breathnach from the Irish Record Linkage project
We think this will add up to a stimulating programme and discussion that will be of interest to many historians who need to link information about large numbers of individuals and using data that is continually growing in diversity and scale.
Download: Workshop Programme/Flyer (pdf).
Workshop Information
When: 2-5.30pm, Tuesday 4 November 2014
Where Humanities Research Institute, Gell Street, Sheffield
Attendance is free but numbers may be limited so you will need to register in advance: email Sharon Howard (sharon.howard@sheffield.ac.uk).